Ecuador | Optional Post-trip Extension to Machalilla National Park

Depart Guayaquil and visit Cerro Blanco Forest Reserve, just west of the city. More than 300 bird species have been recorded in the tropical dry forest here, including Tumbesian endemics such as the White-tailed Jay, Saffron Siskin, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, and Short-tailed Woodstar. According to BirdLife International, Cerro Blanco was identified as one of 30 priority sites for bird conservation in the Tumbesian Region. It is also an Important Bird Area and one of four protected areas nationwide that is home to seven or more globally threatened bird species (Cerro Blanco has nine). Continue to the town of Ayampe on the coast and check in.

Depart from Ayampe to Puerto López, where you'll board a boat and enjoy an approximately two-hour journey by sea to Isla de la Plata, which is part of Machalilla National Park and whose name translates to Silver Island. According to local legend, the famous pirate Francis Drake hid treasures taken from Spanish ships on the island, where they remain hidden today. During your boat ride, you may be able to to observe humpback whales, which migrate from Antarctica to tropical waters between June and October to mate and give birth to their calves. Upon arrival at the island, go ashore and explore the flora and fauna. Among the beaches, cliffs, and shrubland, it's possible to see many species more commonly associated with the Galápagos Islands. Look for marine birds like Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, and Magnificent Frigatebirds. You'll also have the opportunity to see nesting Waved Albatrosses, which only nest here and in the Galápagos. Return to Puerto López and then to Ayampe.

This morning, enjoy birding along the Ayampe River, which abuts the southern border of Machalilla National Park. After lunch, return to Guayaquil. This afternoon arrive at our hotel in time for last minute packing and to freshen up. Farewell dinner at the hotel, then travel to the airport for the overnight flight back to the U.S.

Arrive home.